Description and Composition
Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, is a biennial or perennial herb growing upto about 1.2 metres tall. The lower basal leaves of the plant are long-stalked, hairy and egg-shaped and the upper leaves are almost without stalks, becoming smaller in size as they go upwards. It has white or purple flowers, and egg-shaped fruits.
The active constituents of digitalis are the several glycosides, including three well defined glycosides, namely, digitoxin, gitoxin and gitalin. All the three glycosides possess the property to promote and stimulate cardio-vascular activity.
Leaves contain little amount of glycosides. Digitoxin is also contained in the
leaves. Its seeds contain an amber coloured fatty oil with bland taste.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The tinctures from the Indian leaves are darker and contain more resinous matter than those prepared from the European varieties.
Heart Disorders
This drug is mainly used in treating
heart diseases. In case of congested
heart failure, it promotes and stimulates the activity of all muscle tissues. The herb forces more blood into the coronaries thereby improving the nourishment to the
heart.When blood circulation gets impaired and dropsy sets in, digitalis helps in restoration and regulation of the function of the
heart.
Kidneys Disorders
It helps urination by improving the blood supply to the
kidneys and removes obstructions within the
kidneys.
Wounds and Burns
Digitalis is used in some ointments for local application on wounds and burns. In cases of burns, it is very effective in preserving severely damaged cells.
Methods for Uses and Dosages:
Digitalis is commonly administered in the form of tablets, powder or digitalis tincture and suppositories available with the
Ayurvedic pharmacies. It is also used in making injections. In therapeutic doses, the
drug usually produces mild toxic effects. The toxic effects include
headache, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea,
vomiting and blurred vision. It is therefore, necessary to regulate the dose in such a manner so as to avoid such effects. The toxic effects mentioned should be watched carefully and die dose regulated accordingly.